MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has affirmed that private corporation Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) is obligated to collect the aviation security fees of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and to remit the same to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).
In a legal opinion dated Sept. 25 and recently published online, Secretary Jesus Remulla said the DOJ is “of the opinion that the CIAC/LIPAD must collect and remit the amount of PHP60 and PHP15 for every departing international and domestic passenger (from the Clark International Airport)” under subsisting laws.
The DOJ explained that under two letters of instruction (LOIs) issued in 1976, the ASF was originally created to subsidize the National Action Committee on Anti-Hijacking (Nacah), which was created under another LOI that same year.
The sum collected can be spent to provide infrastructures, equipment, supplies and personnel for the Aviation Security Command, among other purposes.
Nacah was subsequently reconstituted as the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), which is tasked with formulating plans for, and controlling all measures, aimed at preventing/suppressing any and all forms of hijacking; and be responsible for the security of the transportation systems of the country, including civil aviation.
The opinion was furnished OTS Administrator Ma Aplasca in response to the letter of former Transportation undersecretary Raul Del Rosario, seeking the DOJ opinion if LIPAD should be collecting the aviation frees. (PNA)
